The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL has been spotted out testing on the streets in these up close and personal spy shots! Originally reported on and posted by JLWranglerForums.com, we get our first really good look of the next generation Wrangler Unlimited and thanks to a lose camo-flap, we get some design details confirmed!

2018 Wrangler Exterior Styling Exposed

Despite the heavy camouflage covering the exterior the JL Wrangler that was spotted out on Michigan roads, there are a lot of design takeaways to go over.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Doors

Peaking out from behind the camouflage are exposed exterior door hinges, similar to what we have seen in the current JK Wrangler. Paired with lightly-altered door cut lines, it looks like the new Wrangler will be maintaining that rugged exterior look that has been synonymous with the brand for so long.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Roof and Mirrors

Although the spy photographers who captured these images didn’t get a straight-on shot of the roof, it looks like a pretty similar design to what was used for the JK Wrangler. While there are going to be a couple different 2018 Wrangler Tops to choose from, the overall design of them shouldn’t be much different than the current design.

The side mirrors are in a similar boat as they seem to reuse the same core design, but are just updated with some next-gen tweaking and refining. I wouldn’t be surprised if a set of aftermarket Wrangler mirrors are the first mod for new JL Wrangler owners.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Lights

The final takeaway from these spy shots are updates to the Wrangler’s factory lighting. In the front, it looks like new lighting has been added to the front-facing part of the outer wheel-well arches. While we still haven’t gotten a good look at them, it leads us to believe that the front-end of the JL Wrangler will be updated witha more modern look, possibly with highly rumored LED Headlights as well.

Going to the back, it looks like the tail light design is not that different from the current JK Wrangler’s Tail Lights. It’s hard to say if these lights are just place holders for a new design or if the JK’s tail lights will be used again for 2018.

Evolving With The Times

So far, out of everything we have seen, heard, or surmised, it appears like the next generation Wrangler will be more of a evolution than a revolution. A lot of the classic Wrangler design hallmarks can be found in one way, shape or form, on the new JL Wrangler test mules. Granted, we haven’t seen a clean shot yet of the new exterior (i.e. one that isn’t camoed up) what we have seen leads us to believe that the 2018 Wrangler will be a vehicle of subtle, yet noticeable refreshes–not a totally new vehicle that ditches it’s pedigree and history for some flashy new appearance.

For enthusiasts, this should be the perfect middle-ground; a new Wrangler that has a fresh face and some updated features, but one that ultimately stays true to the history and the brand, carrying over the attributes that have made it as popular as it is.

What are your thoughts on the new JL Wrangler design for 2018? Is this a well-welcomed refresh or lazy take a on a new vehicle? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Nope!!! The last true jeep was the TJ. These new jeeps are taking away features that have been part of the wrangler sinse WWI. I’m talking about iconic features like the flip down windshield (yes, not that many people use it but the iconic and UNIX feature was there up until the TJ. After that, lots of things have change and have made the wrangler more like a soccer mom car. NOT IMPRESSED